When were hybrids allowed in the carpool lane?

Answers

Low-emission vehicles were first allowed to use HOV lanes in 1994 to lessen the region’s air pollution, but few drivers took advantage until hybrids were included in 2000. That year, there were 32 cars in all of Virginia with “clean fuel” tags — a designation necessary for solo commuters to use HOV lanes.

Hybrids were allowed in the carpool lane in early 2007, but only for the first 85,000 applicants. Now, the DMV only hands out replacement stickers for anyone looking to buy a new hybrid (and who already had a sticker).